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Chapter Text

Loud pings flooded Loki's comm lines as his team was pushed away from point. He was healing to the best of his abilities but his opponents obliterated his clones the moment they saw them.. just imagine what would happen if they got him instead.

Debris rained down as the enemy Magneto used his ultimate, the building to their right reduced to rubble. Midtown was almost unrecognizable.

This wasn’t looking too good..

His team's sad excuse of an Iron Man kept getting shot out of the sky and being sent back to respawn. Wolverine dives in the backlines alone, then gets beat to a bloody pulp because Loki can't reach him to heal without getting himself killed too.

The rest of his duelist teammates had similar fates and they were missing one teammate. No one was on point.

They were on the Attack team, supposed to escort H.E.R.B.I.E from the Baxter Building to the Avengers Tower as swiftly as they were able to, but it seems they were the ones being attacked. The match was almost over but they can't seem to even reach the first checkpoint.

Incompetent teammates.

Loki was the only one capable of healing on his team. And to make things worse, the enemy Winter Soldier kept hounding and harassing him relentlessly. Talk about a pain in his behind.. 

But this was a really weird universe. He could see the team match in his head somehow and relay messages by just thinking it.

[Team] Iron Man: Need Healing! On critical health!

[Team] Loki: I have spotted our enemy WINTER SOLDIER!

[Team] Iron Man: Need Healing! On critical health!

[Team] Iron Man: Need Healing! On critical health!

[Team] Wolverine: where tf our heals at?

[Team] Loki: I have spotted our enemy WINTER SOLDIER!

[Team] Iron Man: Need Healing! On critical health!

These ungrateful bums. They can’t possibly expect him to solo heal the entire team while being jumped, do they?

“ARMED AND DANGEROUS!!”

Oh, for the love of—

Loki goes invisible, leaving a clone in his place as he flees. The Winter Soldier targets Scarlet Witch instead. Whoops.

“AGAIN!”

It’s so over.

“AGAIN!” 

An attack from someone in the opposite team accidentally grazes him, breaking his invisibility.. All his teammates are dead and he's left to fend for himself… as he already was for the entirety of the match. 

Winter Soldier's head almost snapped as he turned to look at Loki's direction once he became visible.

What the actual fuck?

He began running at him like a mad dog, killing intent in his eyes.

Someone ought to put this man on a leash.

Loki BOOKS it like his life depended on it, because it did. He thinks he would be able to counter him, but this universe.. this game, for some reason didn't allow for the full extent of his powers to be used.

With the mission going sideways, there was no point in lingering— he would just end up dead like the rest of his so-called ‘allies’. Even if everyone somehow respawns in this game they’re playing, it still hurts like a bitch to be injured or killed.

As he ran, he heard heavy footsteps chasing after him. He doesn't need to turn around to know that Winter Soldier was still on his ass. 

This won't do. He'll have to think of something, and quick. 

Immediately as he turned the corner into an alleyway, he casted a transformation spell, changing into a cat. He then quickly hid behind a dumpster and hoped for the best.

The Winter Soldier stopped at the entrance of the alley, reloading his gun menacingly. Loki is certain he didn’t see him transform. Even if he did, he should know there was no use in trying to catch the God of Mischief!

“Coward,” The man said, eyes scanning the dark alley in search of Loki.

Half these brainless idiots can’t tell the difference between cowardice and a strategic retreat.

Not wanting to risk getting jumped, Winter Soldier tsked in irritation as he fell back to his allies.. something his own dense teammates should learn to do for once.

The match didn't even go into overtime due to the fact nobody was on point when the timer hit 0. But at least he was safe. For now.

[Team] Iron Man: Gg, no heals

[Team] Loki: I am your only healer, if you hadn't noticed.

[Match] Winter Soldier: Team diff

[Match] Spider-Man: w heals

[Team] Wolverine: dont let me catch u in my streets lowkey

[Match] Star-Lord: why was moon knight arguing with a wall?

[Match] Moon Knight: Khonshu made me do it.

[Match] Iron Man: Tell Khonshu he can kiss my ***

[Match] Moon Knight: Reported.

Loki doesn't want to spend another moment here. He should probably return back to his lobby, but chances are, his allies would blame him for the loss when they were the ones throwing the match out the window.

It wouldn’t make sense. The God of Mischief never loses.. Well, not until now. This was the first match he ever lost since these games began.

Dejected by the defeat, and still a cat, Loki stared at the ground sadly as he made his way out of the alley. Suddenly, a large shadow loomed over him, blocking his path and startling him.

But a voice so soft spoken called out to him. He recognized that voice.

Warlock. 

Not a moment before, Adam was aiding his allies on the Defense team. Things went pretty smoothly for him— aside from the times the Attack team's Wolverine attempted to mercilessly maul him like an animal. But having Rocket and Peter Quill on his team meant better synergy since they were all well acquainted. 

When he called for help, Spiderman would swing by and quite literally abduct his harassers. He couldn't be any more grateful. 

Adam felt bad for his opponents, considering how they were dropping like flies. He dislikes seeing others in pain and wishes to heal them too, but one must do what they should to ensure their own allies are well.

When the match ended, he was heading back to the Guardians’ lounge, but as he passed an alley, movement in the corner of his eyes caught his attention. 

A black cat. 

“Hello, little one.” he smiled, as if the creature could understand. To his knowledge, cats look like flerkens. And flerkens are quite intelligent, so he would assume cats were just as smart.

The furry creature looked up at him with its big green eyes and meowed. Adam's heart melted.

Adorable.

Loki.. on the other hand, wasn't sure he wanted to be in this situation. While he could transform back, it would be humiliating for anyone to know a God had to disguise himself as a cat to escape from battle. 

“What are you doing out here all alone?” Adam crouched, reaching out his hand. “The battlefield is dangerous.”

The fool was actually concerned! But that much was expected of the perfect human. Ever so honest, ever so humble. 

They have actually fought together side by side several times, and they do make a real mean pair. But Loki would never forget the first time they'd met.

His words still echoed in his mind. 

I am Adam Warlock. He said, as if that alone explained everything.

Then after the third time they fought together at Warrior Falls, he was approached post match. Few wanted to associate themselves with Loki but it seems Adam thought otherwise. 

There is such good within you. Why do you hide it behind a veil of darkness?

Loki didn't like that. He didn't like that Adam could see right through him. Even more, he didn’t like how kind— how gentle Adam was. How he treats him no different than he would anyone else. Him, of all people.

No matter what he did, and no matter how much Loki tried to show that he was untrustworthy or unreliable, Adam still stuck around him.

Oftentimes, Loki would refuse his help or even snap at him for assisting him with anything. And Adam, maddeningly, doesn’t argue with him.

Loki must have been deep in thought, because before he could react, he was scooped up.

The indignity of it all!

He began kicking at Adam and hissing, but the fool simply chuckled, entirely unbothered by Loki’s very clear attempt to communicate his displeasure. 

“Easy.. no harm shall come to you. I will make sure of it.”

He considered biting him and running away but decided against it. Adam would only end up blaming himself for it for the rest of forever. 

“You seem more like a housecat than a stray. Did someone abandon you?”

Loki’s fur bristled.

Abandoned? Him? As if. He is the God of Mischief, the Prince of lies, the master of deception, the—

Adam cradled him close to his chest, rubbing behind his ears and Loki thought he was ascending to Valhalla.

“Poor thing.” Adam whispers, his tone radiating with sorrow. “I would never do that to you.”

This is ridiculous.

But despite himself, Loki calmed down.

Adam was.. warm. He had never been this close to him before. But this close, he could see every flutter of his lashes and hear every beat of his heart. 

“Earth's cats do look rather similar to flerkens…” Indistinguishable almost. “Just as adorable.”

“Though I hope you would not attempt to devour me.” Adam joked as he scratched under his chin and Loki felt something rising from his throat.

Whatever it was, it felt uncomfortable to suppress it.

Initially, he thought he was about to throw up, but to his shock, what left his mouth was a quiet purr.

That.. 

That was a noise he didn't know he was capable of making. And quite frankly, he was embarrassed. For a God to be forced to endure being treated like a pet..

“I suppose I should take you somewhere safe, shouldn’t I?” Adam booped his nose, “This is no place for a little creature like you.”

This would be unbearable, if it weren't for the fact his whole body was sore from the fight and he didn't want to walk if he didn’t have to.

Definitely not because it was comfortable in Adam's arms, or that he liked how warm he was.

When Adam took him back to the lounge, Loki began to think things were getting out of hand. As soon as they entered the room, he immediately felt eyes on him. Luckily there was only one person. Unluckily, that one person was none other than Mantis.

“OOO!!” Loki winces as she squeals. She hopped off the couch she was sitting on and beelined towards them. “You found a kitty!”

Loki considered Mantis to be… dangerous. An empath. Far too nosy for her own good. This could mean trouble.

“It has no neck collar. Must be a stray. But its fur is well maintained like a housecat's.” Loki points his nose in the air with pride at that. “I saw it near the battle in midtown and could not leave it to fend for itself.” Adam had a point. He was, in fact, fending for himself in the match.

“It has a very grumpy face,” She giggles, reaching out to pet him. Loki puffed up his tail as a warning but she made contact anyway.

“May I hold the kitty?”

Oh, absolutely not.

To his horror, Adam allowed it and Loki’s body went rigid when he was passed over. His ears pinned back to his head as Mantis cooed at him like he was some frail pet.

“Ohhh, you are so fluffy!!” As she ran her fingers through his fur, her antennae started glowing. He felt a weird tingling sensation in the back of his mind.. Not like when Adam pet him.

This was,, different. Almost like fingers brushing against his thoughts. Then it hit him.

Mantis was using her ability.

Loki tensed up as her eyes widened, lips parting in surprise. She knows. 

All he could do was stare at her in silent warning. Thankfully for him, her expression reverted back as quickly as it changed. However, it didn’t go unnoticed by Adam because he frowns.

“What is it?” 

Mantis blinked, shaking her head as she smiled. “Nothing, friend! This feline is very.. interesting!” Loki’s tail flicked sharply and Mantis suppressed a giggle as she passed him back to Adam’s welcoming arms.

“I think it likes you, Adam. It would rather be held by you.”

Lies.

“It did allow me to bring it here. Perhaps it senses I am trustworthy?”

Mantis gave him a look, as if saying ‘That’s not what I mean.’, but she just nodded.

“Well!” She claps her hands together suddenly. “I must go now.”

Adam tilted his head, watching as Mantis stretches her arms. “So soon?” 

“Yes, yes! Very important things to do. I promised Rocket I would assist him with his project!” An obvious lie that Loki sees right through. Actually, it wouldn’t take a genius to figure out she was making up an excuse to get away.

But this big IDIOT buys it.

“Alright then. Do take care, Mantis.”

Adam puts Loki down on the floor to walk Mantis out. Giving Loki a smile, she hurriedly leaves the room.

So… Mantis had figured him out, but for some reason didn’t expose his identity. That could mean one of two things… either she was messing with him or withholding information to use it as blackmail later. But knowing her nature, it was most likely the former.

While he was pondering though, Adam had vanished off somewhere. Loki scans the room, runs to the kitchen, checks out the window. When all else failed, he meows loudly, demanding for Adam to return.

“It's alright, I’m right here.” When Loki turned around, Adam was coming down the stairs, holding a pair of scissors. What. What was he doing with that?

“You may not like the idea, but… I just think your fur could use a bit of trimming.” He may be a cat now, but this wasn’t necessary at all! His hair was the perfect length!

Loki meowed in protest as he was grabbed. He didn't know it was possible, but he was starting to feel pity for house pets that had to undergo a makeover when they did not want to.

But under Adam's gentle hands, he found himself unable to resist. He closed his eyes as his fur was combed through. He had to admit.. Being pampered wasn’t the worst.

A few minutes passed and the sound of scissors snipping came to a stop. Loki opens his eyes thinking he was done, just to see Adam staring at him.

“You remind me of someone.”

Loki's heart skipped several beats. He stared back.

“Someone who is not used to kindness being given without a cost even though he deserves it.”

“He is quite reckless—” Was he talking about Star-Lord? “, and slightly impulsive.” He definitely was.

“People often think he is arrogant, but that's not it. I can see there is more to him.”

“I think he’s… charming,, in a way.” Adam paused, his cheeks turning a rosy shade of gold and Loki wished he wasn’t talking about Peter Quill. “He scratches and bites, not because he wishes to, but because the world has not been kind to him. I can only hope that he will one day see himself the way I see him.” 

Adam laughs softly and shakes his head as if he came to the realization that he was confessing his feelings for someone to a cat. He muttered a quiet nevermind and got up to return the scissors. 

Loki felt his stomach churn when he was listening to Adam speak of Star-Lord that way. He had much to think about.

“Hey Warlock! I— …whose skinny ass cat is sitting in MY spot?” 

Adam returned to quite a scene. Peter Quill was attempting to remove the cat from its spot, and the cat was hissing, swatting a paw at the guy. 

“That is my cat.” Can he call it his? For all he knows, this could be someone's lost cat. But it seemed the cat was pleased with his answer because it jumped off the couch to rub itself against his leg.

Adam picks the cat up, then takes notice of… Rocket? Mantis left to help him not even 20 minutes ago, he thought they would take longer. And where was Mantis?

“Rocket. I did not expect you to be back so early. How was your project, my friend?”

“Erm, what the sigma?”

??

“..The project,” Adam continued, “You required Mantis’ help, did you not?”

Loki would facepalm right now if he could.

“What the flark are ya talkin’ about? Yanno what, forget it.” Rocket tosses his equipment onto the table and heads upstairs.

Adam watches him leave then turns to look at Peter Quill, his expression asking the obvious question.

Star-Lord gave him a shrug. “Dunno buddy, rough day I think?”

“Aaaaaanyway. I bought some DVDs of a couple movies I wanted to watch, you down?” He waves them at Adam’s face. As he expected, Footloose was one of them. 

Loki flicks his ears. He wasn’t impressed either, but for entirely different reasons. He recalled what Adam had told him earlier. And the fact they seemed… close, irritated him for some odd reason.

Adam was NOT about to go watch some hideous Midgardian movies with Peter Quill, especially not when Loki was right there. When he looked up at Adam however, it looked like he was considering it.

He wouldn’t dare.

“So?” Quill nudges Adam’s arm with far too much familiarity. Before Adam could respond, Loki swatted his paw at Quill, making him drop his DVDs.

“Hey!” He huffed, picking them up and holding them close to his chest like they’re his valuables. “It's got a nasty attitude.”

Adam chuckled, glancing at Loki. “Thank you for the offer. But perhaps.. we can schedule for another time.” That’s exactly what Loki wanted to hear. Except for the scheduling for another time part. He would rather they didn’t schedule for another time at all.

Star-Lord just shrugs. “Sounds good to me.” 

“And you!” He points a finger at Loki, dangerously close to his face. “I better not catch you getting all comfy in my seat again or else I’ll— ” Loki didn’t hesitate at all. His ears flattened as he swiped at him with his claws.

Peter Quill lets out a loud series of ‘OW’s and quickly retracts his hand..

“Where the hell did you find this evil ass cat??”

“Cats are capable of no evil. It’s most likely that you startled it.” Adam pets him gently.

“Oh, no, I know it’s evil. Like.. I don’t know, you ever walk into a room and get the feeling you’re being judged? I’m feelin that right now.” Loki smirked internally. He was judging him alright.

“Listen, little buddy. I’m going to teach you a very important lesson… I know a thing or two about strays. I was one..” Peter Quill gestured dramatically. Loki did not care.

“But you know.. I worked on myself! I turned out alright.. Got a crew. Saved the galaxy a couple times. Heh, no biggie.” He grinned, pointing at himself with his thumb. “People love me!”

Debatable. How does Adam find this guy charming?

“You just gotta work on your attitude and people might start loving you too! Not as much as they love me though.”

That was enough of this nonsense. Loki hisses at him and gracefully jumps out of Adam’s arms to claim his rightful place on the couch. He sat, tail curling neatly around himself as he gave Peter Quill a deliberate, bored blink.

“SEE WHAT I MEAN ??”

“Quill, it’s a cat.”

“EVIL ASS CAT.”

Blocking out the noise, Loki flopped to his side, pretending to sleep until he actually drifted off to sleep.

When Loki finally woke up, it was quiet. Almost quiet, because he could hear Quill snoring loudly from the room over. It was already night time.

Beside him on the couch, fast asleep, Adam Warlock. The couch wasn’t exactly big enough to be sleeping on. His head rested awkwardly on the armrest, golden blonde hair covering part of his face. Even in sleep, the perfect human was… well, perfect. 

With a quiet sigh, he conjured up a blanket with a wave of his paw. It draped itself over Adam’s body.

Before, Loki didn’t have many chances to actually see how perfect the man was made to be without making it seem like he was interested in him. Hell, if his brother found out he was checking someone out, he might as well end it all on the spot.

Adam’s brows, often furrowed in quiet contemplation, were relaxed. His chest rose and fell steadily. And his lips, parted slightly, breathing slowly. Adam was usually so aware of Loki’s presence, as if he could sense him even when he wasn’t looking. But now, he was vulnerable, sleeping peacefully as if he had no responsibility to bear.

Something about that unsettled him. Not because he thought Adam was weak and couldn’t defend himself if he were attacked in his sleep, but because Adam trusted his surroundings enough to let his guard down.

Trusted him enough.

Would he have done the same if he knew who he actually was? Would he trust him as he is?

Loki swallowed down the lump in his throat. He had lingered too long.

Making his way across the living room, he hopped onto the windowsill. The night’s air was cool against his fur… and someone had deliberately left the window open.

“You might think it, friend, but you’re not better off alone.” Mantis whispered from behind him. He turned around to meet her eyes. She smiled.

“You don’t have to leave, you know.” She yawns. “Adam will be sad.”

Adam will be just fine.

Slowly, reluctantly, he turned his gaze back into the room.

Loki wasn’t used to being cared for. Just like the match he had earlier in the day, he had always fended for himself, put himself first. Unlike Adam, in all his golden glory, putting everyone else first. He’s never met anyone else as selfless.. as self sacrificing.

Adam is a man burdened by perfection.

In the battles they had fought together, Adam was like no other. He would always stand his ground, protecting other strategists. Even when you think he had his full focus on the damage dealers of the team, he always knew when to offer Loki healing. There was also one instance in a match where Adam got himself killed without hesitation when he moved to take an attack aimed directly at Loki’s back.

Next time, stay out of the way, Warlock. He remembered himself saying, after the battle came to an end.

But Adam only smiled.

I cannot promise you that.

It made him feel.. noticed, for once in his life. It made him feel special. Or at least, the illusion of it, because Loki has seen the way Adam treats everyone else. With understanding, kindness, and the same patience he had given to Loki. It was just his nature, and Loki hated it.

He tore his gaze away, heart pounding.

Mantis looked at him as if she knew what he was thinking. Loki exhales sharply. “It is not pity he feels for you. He cares about everyone, but not like this.”

“But he sees you. And you see him too.”

Loki’s expression was unreadable for a moment. Mantis wasn’t sure if he took her words to heart, but he gave her one last look and leapt from the ledge, vanishing into the night.

A few hours from now, Adam would wake up to find his little cat missing. Mantis would simply smile at him and reassure him it would be okay.

Later.. Loki returned to his designated lounge room. 

“Did you get a haircut?”

He stopped in his tracks, narrowing his eyes. He turned to see Hela leaning against a stone pillar, arms crossed and wearing a smirk. “Not bad.”

Loki ran a hand through his hair with a scowl as his ears turned pink. He slips his helmet on. “Please go piss on someone else’s parade, Your Unholiness.”

Hela only shrugged, examining her nails.

“You make it too easy.”

Chapter Text

Loki, God of Mischief and self-proclaimed master of deception, was currently doing an exceptionally poor job of deceiving anyone. And most certainly not Hela, who had been lying in her bed watching him sigh for the tenth time in the past seven minutes.

She met it with an equally long, exaggerated sigh. “If you’re going to invade my space, at least have the decency to be entertaining about it.”

Loki was slumped over Hela’s couch like a discarded corpse, holding a goblet of wine in his hand (which he hadn’t actually taken a sip from yet). He has been doing too much thinking these past few days, ever since the incident.

The cat incident.

For your information… No , he wasn’t in a bad mood. He felt perfectly fine actually! At the very pinnacle of unbothered even. So unbothered to the point he had been avoiding two people in particular lately.

That is… If ‘avoiding’ meant watching them from a distance.

So what if Peter Quill was weirdly friendly with Adam Warlock? They’ve known each other for quite a while now.

So what if Warlock laughs at Quill’s distasteful Midgardian jokes? Or if they stood a bit too close to each other? Or if Quill puts his arm around Warlock’s shoulder? That was none of his business. Plus, that's what friends do. Right..? Not that he would know.

Gods , he really needs friends doesn’t he? But then again, Loki doesn’t do friends.

Hela swirled her cup, looking vaguely disgusted by Loki’s existence as he radiated enough misery to dim the torches on the walls.

“Is someone upset because the shiny man hasn’t been paying attention to him?”

Loki didn’t look at her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Hela knew that Loki knew exactly what she was talking about. Loki's subtle crush on Adam was anything BUT subtle. To Hela at least. It was pointless to lie to her. She could almost always tell what he was thinking. 

“Oh, please.” She sat up. “You’ve been glaring holes into the back of Peter Quill’s head like you want to turn him into a toad.”

“I’ve considered it..” That wasn't too bad of an idea though,,

“Stop sulking and speak.”

Loki sighs one last time before meeting Hela’s eyes with a frown. “If you must know, I am merely reflecting.. It’s a simple matter of… observation.”

Finally, they were getting somewhere. “Go on.”

Slowly, Loki sat up and stared into his goblet, “Warlock appears to be.. rather fond of Peter Quill.”

Hela raised a brow. “...And?” 

“And? And they obviously like each other, Hela. That's all there is to it. I’ve seen them… exchange looks .” 

Yes… like when Loki was a cat and Quill dared to ask Adam to watch movies. In fact, they're probably watching movies together right now.. and doing god knows what else!! 

He finally took a sip of his wine, ignoring the way his fingers tightened around the goblet.

“Let me lay it out for you, Loki.” She set her goblet down on the nightstand deliberately slow as if savoring the moment before delivering Loki a verbal blow.. “Since you’re apparently blind, on top of being stupid.”

Ouch.

Loki stuck his nose up in the air. “I am neither of those things,”  he fake sniffled.

Hela proceeded to ignore him. “First of all. Peter Quill exchanges looks with anything that moves, his own reflection included. That means nothing.”

That was, unfortunately, true. Loki has seen Quill flirting with a lamp post once… for the sake of his mental health he hoped it had been for practice, but it was still an unsettling memory to recall..

“Second,” Hela continued, barely giving Loki any time to respond, “Warlock is about as romantically aware as a brick wall. I doubt he'd know someone's interested in him unless they physically knelt down in front of him and proposed.”

“Well, it’s still unnerving..”

“What? That someone actually enjoys Quill’s company?”

“No,” Loki grumbled, “..That Warlock does.”

He downed the rest of the wine in one gulp out of frustration.

Hela’s lips curled into a smirk as she leaned back against the headboard. “Of course. You like the golden boy after all.”

“Wrong,” Loki responded almost instantly, his denial coming off a little too strong.

“Am I? Alright then.” Hela was clearly unimpressed. “If you don’t like him, why do you care if he’s interested in Peter Quill?”

Loki opened his mouth, then closed it. Then opened it again. “...That’s irrelevant.”

“That’s what I thought.”

Loki pinched the bridge of his nose. Maybe coming here was a mistake. This wasn't helping his case at all.

Placing his goblet down, he stood up from the couch and paced the room with his arms crossed, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Then suddenly, he stopped, and Hela could almost imagine a lightbulb lighting up beside his head.

“I have a solution,” he announced.

Hela isn’t even sure what to expect but she can already tell it wasn’t a brilliant solution. She crossed a leg over the other lazily, blinking slowly.

“Humor me.”

Loki had a smug look on his face. “Proposition: We eliminate Peter Quill.”

Hela's face contorted and it screamed ‘ Bitch, are you serious?’ .

“..Proposition denied. Too much work for such an insignificant matter.”

Loki rolled his eyes. “Fine then, a banishment shall suffice. We will teleport him to a distant location and leave him there!”

Hela let out a bark of laughter. “And where exactly do you suggest we banish him?”

Loki waved a hand, already losing patience at her lack of cooperation. “Some barren wasteland. Or… or a distant, uninhabited moon? The bottom of the sea— I- it doesn’t matter where!”

“Your less extreme idea is still objectively terrible.”

“It’s a reasonable solution.”

“Reasonable?” Apparently stupidity knows no bounds when it comes to a god in love. “You want to get rid of Quill because you’re too much of a coward to talk to Warlock.”

Loki stiffened, a light pink flush crept up his neck.

“..Don’t mistake my actions for cowardice, Hela. I prefer to solve problems efficiently.”

“Your solution is petty revenge?”

“I do not partake in petty revenge.”

Hela gave him a look.

“...Often,” he added, suppressing the urge to laugh and Hela rolled her eyes. 

“Tell me, do you honestly think removing Quill from existence will magically make Warlock fall into your arms?”

Loki hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. “...Yes?”

Hela groaned, rubbing her temples as if she was keeping a migraine at bay. “If you get rid of him, Warlock will just spend the next several months with the rest of his friends looking for him instead of noticing you.”

Loki frowned, fingers twitching slightly. That was not an acceptable outcome. He couldn't have that happening ever .

Initially.. he thought he didn’t need to make himself known (any more than he already does) because he already was known.

He wouldn’t call himself an attention seeker per se… but he definitely loved the attention.

The God of Mischief can make everyone’s head turn if he so chooses. 

Everyone but Adam . 

Being noticed is easy. Without a doubt, Adam notices him. But the problem is that Adam notices everyone,, and Loki is greedy . 

He wanted Adam's eyes on him only. No one else. Which was why it bothered him so that Peter Quill could easily take that attention away. 

“It seems I have made a lapse in judgement.” Loki admitted, surprisingly.

Hela poured herself more wine. “A bit late to the party, but we'll make do.”

“I created distance between Warlock and I,” he rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to find the words to say.

“I wanted him to feel the lack of my presence— let him wonder where I’ve gone. After all, curiosity at times turns into longing, does it not?”

Loki's not sure whether it's working, but so far nothing has changed. He would catch Adam glancing at him sometimes, an unreadable expression on his face, and Loki would look away before it stirred anything in him.

Loki was distancing himself from Adam to get him to notice him and frustratingly, Adam reciprocated. 

People rarely realize what they desire until it's absent, Loki believed it to be true.

And he was correct. Except the results were unintended. It wasn't Adam who realized his desire for Loki, instead it was Loki who realized his desire for Adam.

No matter how much he denied it, no matter how much he pretended he didn’t want nor need his attention— or him .

Hela laughed. “ That , is the most pretentious way to say ‘I’m going to ignore him until he begs for me’, if I’ve ever seen one.”

“What do you suggest I do then?? Declare my affections in song?” 

“ Gods, no ,” Hela looked genuinely horrified by the thought. “No one wants to hear you singing.”

Loki frowned. 

“Alright, alright.” Hela waved her hand dismissively, “But.. have you ever considered doing this thing called… communicating ? Just talk to him. It really doesn't get any easier than that.”

“Are you mad??” Loki gestured wildly as if he was just told to wear a ‘get along shirt’ with Thor.  “You want me to walk up to him and say, ‘Forgive my intrusion, Warlock! But are you or are you not enamored with your insufferable friend Star-Lord?’”

“Exactly.”

Loki clenched his jaw but didn’t argue further. The truth was, she wasn’t entirely wrong. But the idea of simply talking to Adam as she suggested made him feel… weird.

Hela's expression shifted to something more serious. “Heed my words, Loki. Regardless of how much you despise listening to anyone.”  

“If you want something, take it . You are the God of Mischief, not some lovesick mortal. You do not sit around and wait for fate to hand you what you want.”

What kind of garbage advice is that?

“It’s not as impossible as you think. Seduction through strategy.” She smirked. “Make him realize you have your eyes on him.”

“Just.. for the love of Hel, don’t do anything ridiculous. No dramatic speeches, no serenades.”

“Duly noted..”

Loki glanced outside the window. It was already quite late. He shook his head, feeling a bit drowsy from the wine.

“I’ll be retiring to my chambers. Sweet nightmares, Your Unholiness.”

“Does the princess need his golden prince to escort him back?”

“ No . ”

The Guardians’ lounge room was noisy as per usual. Star-Lord playing with his guns, Mantis and Groot talking about who knows what and Rocket giving his equipment a wipe down.

Adam sat stiffly on the couch, in silent contemplation.

Loki had been avoiding him, and whenever he and Peter shared a friendly conversation, Loki seemed to be upset and retreated even further.

He was never the best at reading people, but lately he’s been having a growing suspicion that how close he was to Peter Quill was part of the issue. 

The notion gnawed at him, but he hadn’t been certain enough to confront it. No matter how he looked at the situation, he kept coming to the same conclusion—

Loki has a crush on Peter Quill and he's jealous that Adam was so close to him.

There was no other explanation for it. 

His brainstorm must’ve been too obvious because when he came around to it, everyone was staring at him.

Adam pursed his lips. He thought of keeping this to himself, but after careful consideration  he determined that his friends were far more experienced with such affairs.

“I require… guidance,” he finally said.

Peter Quill fist bumped the air. “About time! What’s eating you?”

They all gathered around the couch, ready to attentively listen to whatever Adam had to say. 

“..I have reason to believe Loki is interested in Quill…” He tried to word it the best way he could, but they looked lost.

“ Romantically. ” he added.

Everyone turned to look at Peter, then back at Adam.

“Uh, what?” Peter said.

“I have been observing the way he watches you, Peter. There is.. tension when you’re in the room. He seems frequently agitated in your presence, yet he remains near.“

Peter looked like he wanted to launch himself out the nearest window. “C’mon man, this sounds pretty baseless even coming from you! How does that equals to him being interested in me?”

“Many great romances begin with deep hatred!” Mantis shuffled to sit beside Adam, placing a hand on his shoulder for comfort. “And this ails you. Why?” 

“Yeah, why?” Rocket quipped. “You jealous?”

Adam raised a brow. “Jealous of what..?”

“That he wants to take Peter away from you? I hate to break it to ya, but if anyone’s got a thing for him, it’s you.”

Peter grinned sheepishly, “Aww, thanks man!” But then after thinking about it, his smile dropped. “Was that an insult..?”

Disregarding Peter’s comment, Adam sighed. “Incorrect… my interest lies with Laufeyson.”

Rocket blinked. “Wait, you like Loki?”

“WAIT, YOU LIKE LOKI?” Peter said louder.

“I just said that, dipshit.”

Adam looked between the two. It wasn’t like he was trying to hide it.. but he never really told them upfront either.

“I thought that much was evident.”

Mantis giggled. “Ohhh, no. This is very much a surprise! A pleasant one.” That was oddly suspicious.. but Adam brushed it off.

“Isn’t Loki evil or some shit?” Rocket didn’t sound too on board with this revelation, and it seems neither was Peter.

“Yeah, doesn’t he scam people for a living?”

“He has many layers.” 

Mentis perked up. “Like an onion!”

“That is.. one way to put it.” Adam looked down, trying to put something indescribable into words.

“He’s complex. His words are sharp, yet his actions betray them. He is far more selfless than he would have others believe. Cunning, yes. But never cruel. He hides it well, however there are moments where I sense.. loneliness.” 

Mantis gasped. “Aww.. you feel his sad feelings!”

Rocket made fake gagging noises. “This is flarkin’ disgusting.”

Quite the supportive bunch he’s friends with.

“..I must know how to proceed. If he does have feelings for Quill, it would be unwise for me to pursue my own.”

Peter raises a hand. “I really don’t think Loki-“

“You are mistaken. I have witnessed the signs myself..” Adam recalled vaguely, “He has been deliberately avoiding me as of late, but I would frequently catch him glaring in our direction while we speak. He used to react quite strongly when I mentioned you whatsoever and would become… noticeably upset.”

By the end of his explanation, pretty much everyone gets what’s really going on.

Peter stared at him. “You think Loki glares at us, because he’s into me?”

“Is that not the way of it? Emotional suppression.. Concealed desires. He embodies these traits. His hostility has only increased as of late..”

“You got it all wrong, Goldcheeks!!”

Adam ignored the nickname Rocket gave him. He wasn’t a big fan of it at all but at this point he’s gotten used to it. 

“Explain.”

The Guardians looked at each other as if the answer was obvious. Adam didn’t understand.

“What Rocket means is… Loki isn’t into me .”

“But the signs—”

Peter interrupted him mid-sentence. “The signs are just Loki being Loki. Trust me dude, I’d know if he was into me and that guy BARELY tolerates me.”

Mantis, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. “I think you should talk to him, Adam.”

“Talk to him.,” Adam repeated, as if the concept was foreign to him.

She nodded, “Yes! Ask him how he feels!”

Rocket snorted. “Or y’know, just keep assuming things and let this whole situation get even more ridiculous! I’d prefer that option if you asked me.”

Adam thought about it for a while. Once he made a decision, he got up from the couch.

“Very well... I will see to it later. For now, I require some time alone to reflect.”

Peter Quill gave him a thumbs up. “You’ll figure it out, buddy.”

“I am Groot.”

“We believe in you, Adam!” he heard Mantis yell as he left.

Rocket shook his head. “Damn, he’s down bad.”

“Yeeupp, that boy’s a goner.”

It was the dawn of a new day. And another day was yet another battle.

Loki’s current match was at Yggsgard, the Royal Palace. That’s a place he was definitely familiar with.

Unfortunately, he was solo healing again . And his teammate was Iron Man, again . Thankfully, the rest of his allies were competent enough to rely on health packs when needed. 

Adam was.. in the match as well. But as fate would have it, he was on the opposing side, and he had Jeff to assist him.

As Loki was getting rid of Namor’s squids, one of Hawkeye’s blast arrows struck the wall beside him, exploding right by his ribs.

His eyes widened as he stumbled, doubling over from the pain. His first instinct was to retreat away from point.. No one paid attention to him in the heat of the battle, too occupied with their own survival. ( Or so he thought.)

For reasons unknown, as soon as he left, he found himself turning into a cat again. Perhaps it brought him comfort.

Perhaps it made him think of when Adam—

…

Never mind that.

Loki curled up behind the throne, blending in perfectly with the shadows. His vision was blurry and the pain was only getting worse. 

It was probably wise to wait it out until his cooldowns are over.

Not a moment before, Adam watched the god slip away from the battlefield, and he’s sure he didn’t see wrong— Loki was injured.

Adam did his best to evade his enemies, footsteps quiet as he searched near the upper throne room where the trickster had disappeared off to. 

Just as he was about to give up, he made the decision to check behind the throne. And just his luck, it wasn’t empty.

He was expecting to find Loki, except.. What he found was an injured cat. The cat from Midtown.. And that was when he realized.

Loki’s ears perked up at light footsteps approaching the area.

Ah, this was bad. This was really bad. 

He hissed at Adam, limping back. But then—

“Laufeyson..?”

That made him stop in his tracks.

Well , his cover was blown. And while he could keep pretending (without a doubt Adam would fall for it again), there was no point in keeping up the appearance.

Loki was exhausted and he’s lost too much blood to care. He reversed his transformation, leaning against the throne for support. He kept his gaze away from Adam, the last thing he needed was to see someone looking at him in pity.

“Go away, Warlock.” He muttered, trying to mask the pain in his voice. “If you’re here to finish me off then make it quick.”

Adam was undeterred, approaching him anyway.

“I can help you.”  Says no one ever, to Loki. Until Adam . 

“I don’t need help from you. I have survived far worse.” He snapped, his voice harsher than he meant.

He grimaced as he tried to stand, “I’m perfectly capable—” 

His body betrayed him, knees buckling as he collapsed onto the floor. Or he would have, if Adam hadn’t caught him. He didn’t hesitate to hold him close.

Loki’s heart stuttered as he melted into the warmth he once felt before.

“Not once have I doubted that. I am fully aware of your capabilities.” Adam reassured him. “But please, Loki . Allow me to heal you.”

“Your teammates—” Loki tried to protest.

“My teammates will be alright. I trust them to hold out just fine without my assistance.”

Loki didn’t say anything more as Adam laid him down on the floor, head resting on his lap. He didn’t have the energy to argue. But the truth was, Adam’s insistence to help him made his heart race in a way he didn’t want to admit.

He flinched slightly as Adam’s palm hovered over the gash on his side. His hand began glowing with a soft, golden light, and the warmth radiating from it was soothing.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, everything around them seemed to fade. No missions, no point to defend. Just the two of them.

Rays of sunlight filtered from above and Adam shined like gold. Quite literally.

Loki could only stare. He found himself thinking, if this is what Valhalla is like, he wouldn’t mind dying honorably in battle.

Adam’s soft golden curls… his pale lashes, his adorably unique downturned lips, and the gentlest eyes to ever meet his own without judgement or disgust.

The only other person to have looked at him that way was Frigga. Even then, he had always been so self destructive, tearing apart any relations he had with anyone.

Voices echoed in his head.

- Am I not your mother?

- ..You are not.

Loki closed his eyes, pushing away the waves of thoughts that tried to consume him. It hurts to think, to remember. But as Adam healed him, he felt less lightheaded and more grounded.

The golden light from Adam’s palm dimmed, signaling the end of his healing, but it left behind a warmth that Loki could feel throughout his body.

Adam’s hand lingered a moment longer before he slowly withdrew it.

Loki's gaze drifted to the ceiling as he struggled to make sense of Adam’s motives. A bitter laugh escaped his lips, mostly out of frustration.

“..Why do you keep helping me?” He asked quietly, voice almost cracking.

Adam didn’t hesitate. “Because I believe you’re worth helping.”

Loki’s eyes flickered to the side as he avoided Adam’s eyes. “You think I’m something I am not.”

“No,” Adam responded almost immediately. “I think you are more than you let yourself believe.”

Loki’s heart fluttered. He didn’t expect that a simple response could stir something inside him. It didn’t sound like flattery either. It felt genuine.

There was nothing left to say, he let the silence stretch between them, Adam’s words repeating in his mind.

A moment passed and Loki realized he was still lying on Adam’s lap. It suddenly felt too intimate.. Too personal. His face momentarily flushed in embarrassment. He cleared his throat, quickly sitting up.

“We should return to the match.”

He could already hear Iron-Man demanding for heals.

Adam chuckled softly, and Loki didn’t miss the way rose gold dusted his cheeks.

“I suppose we should."

Shortly after, Loki returned to his team recharged and ready with his newfound strength. His team easily recaptured point and won the match

[Team] Iron Fist: Good work today!

[Match] Iron Man: My back literally hurts from carrying

[Match] Punisher: ?

[Match] Punisher: you went 2-13 and both of your kills are because you solo ulted our shark twice

[Match] Iron Man: Jarvis, remove this man’s balls

[Match] Jeff the Land Shark: MRRR *** ** GRRRRR MRRRARRR ****

[Match] Namor: To put it politely, he said may your drinking water be lukewarm on a hot day and your pillows even warmer.

[Match] Iron Man: What the hell.

[Match] Adam Warlock: You may want to thank your strategist.

[Match] Peni Parker: Thanks Loki!

[Team] Venom: you have our thanks

[Match] The Thing: it’s morphin time

[Match] Iron Fist: Could’ve sworn your catchphrase was something else

It wasn’t common that Loki was thanked for anything. The times he was blamed for things he didn't do outweighed it.

This wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Adam stepping in, yet he took no credit for it.

The battle field was getting cleaned up, broken walls reconstructing itself as if by magic. The throne room looked as it did before and everyone was returning to their respective lounge rooms.

“Warlock,” Loki called out as he saw Adam about to leave with the Guardians who seemed to have been waiting for Adam to finish his match all this time.

Everyone turned to look at him and he froze in his steps. 

Adam seemed surprised Loki approached him, but he offered him a warm smile, as he always does. “Laufeyson,” 

Loki opened his mouth to speak, but he didn’t want to. Not in front of the others.

Peter Quill looked back and forth between the two, then nudged Adam towards Loki. “I uh, just remembered I gotta go do something reallll important man. Catch you later?”

Mantis covered her mouth trying to stifle her uncontrollable giggles. “Me too!”

“Me three.” Rocket said from Groot’s shoulder.

“I am Groot.”

“Wait—” Adam tried to stop them but they all gave him a pat on the back and scurried away like little rats.

What the hell was that about?

Adam glanced at him apologetically and Loki shook his head, getting straight to the point as soon as the others were out of ear shot.

Well.. not that there was a point to get straight to. He just needed an excuse to talk to Adam. 

“About earlier,” Loki paused, fiddling with his scepter. “You have my gratitude.”

His words were sincere, but he kept his gaze averted. He didn’t want to acknowledge how soft his voice was.

Adam nodded, a smile on his face. “I am happy to assist.” 

The words hung in the air for a moment. Loki cleared his throat, straightening himself. His eyes briefly flickered to Adam, then back to his scepter.

“So,” he started, “You and Peter Quill?”

Loki had rehearsed his conversation in his head over a dozen times, each scenario ending with them never speaking to or of each other again, but it never started like this in any of the scenarios.

Adam blinked at him, confused. Loki continued, “An unexpected pairing but I suppose stranger things have happened.”

Adam’s brow furrowed in a way Loki had always been fond of. “I’m afraid I don't understand.”

“You like each other, do you not?”

It took a few moments before a look of realization crossed Adam’s face. “Ah…” 

“Truthfully, I have been meaning to talk to you about this. There must be some kind of misunderstanding here and I wish to clear it up.

“Peter and I are not romantically involved, nor do I harbor such feelings for him. I understand you fancy him, so—”

“What?”

“What?”

“You think I’m interested in Peter Quill? ”

Adam tilted his head, “Were you not.. troubled by my proximity with Quill? I do apologize. However I assure you, there is no need for you to perceive me as competition.. I have no interest in him and wouldn’t stand in your way should you ch pursue his-”

Loki sputtered in disbelief before Adam could finish. “What are you talking about? That’s- That is not why I..”  He shook his head as if the thought alone was absurd enough. “No— no, I do not have feelings for Quill. He’s brash.. and foolish.”

“He.. has his own qualities.” Adam smiled.. Faint, but undeniably there. Loki assumes he was thinking of Star-lord..? Something isn’t right.

“Then why..” Adam started.

“Why have I been avoiding you?” Loki finished his sentence for him. “Because I’m an idiot..” 

Adam seemed like he didn't get it, but Loki could see him thinking. Then his eyes widened in realization. Adam now knows what Loki refused to acknowledge all along.

He didn’t say anything, not immediately. He gazed at him, expression softening in a way that made his stomach twist and Loki hated, hated how exposed he felt beneath that gaze.

Another beat of silence passed between them.

Adam inclined his head ever so slightly, “I see.” was all he said.

Loki didn’t know what to do next.

Should he just take the chance and get it over with? His chest ached momentarily as he recalled Adam telling him about Peter Quill when he was a cat. But things weren’t adding up.

Why would Adam say he harbored no romantic feelings for Quill? Adam might have lied to spare Loki’s feelings thinking they liked the same person— but would he lie to him? 

Adam wasn’t the type to lie… to add to that, he now knows Loki was the cat he told his feelings to.

So… if his confession wasn’t for Quill, who the hell was he talking about??He wasn’t aware he had another competition?

Loki hesitated. His pride clashed violently with his need to give in to his desires. The vulnerability clawed at the back of his throat like a wild animal desperate to be freed.

To open up was to set oneself up for inevitable disappointment. Rejection. Betrayal. And worst of all, abandonment. 

Adam seemed to have noticed his dilemma, because he stepped closer.

“You think too much.”

He reached forward, taking Loki’s wrist slowly. It made him tense slightly on instinct but Adam was gentle. He guided Loki’s hand to press it flat against his chest.

Loki’s breath hitched. 

Beneath his palm he could feel the rapid beating of Adam’s heart. When he looked up to meet his eyes, he felt the beats quicken just by a bit. 

Adam’s face betrayed nothing. But his body.. His heart.. spoke what his lips did not. He didn’t say a word, simply letting Loki feel.

All this time Loki had been putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5. In his confession, Adam was actually talking about him. 

Loki felt his own pulse stumbling in response to the realization.

When Loki avoided him, Adam was waiting. Not out of indifference, but because he wanted to be patient with him. He was leaving the choice entirely in Loki’s hands. 

While the thought terrified him, he didn’t feel so alone in it anymore.

From a distance, Adam’s friends were actually still watching. They couldn’t hear the conversations but by their reactions and Loki’s ears burning bright red, they could tell the mission was a success.

Peter sighed knowing Adam would not be binging movies with him tonight.

“This shit is so ass..”

Rocket snickered. “Looks like Goldcheeks’ got more rizz than you, Quill.”

“My ol’ buddy learnt from the best, actually.” 

Mantis giggled at that. “You taught him well, Peter!” 

Rocket only rolled his eyes. “Get outta here Star-Loser.” 

“I am Groot.” (You have negative aura.)

“What the— WHAT!! WHO TAUGHT YOU TO SAY THAT??”

“YOU did.”